Delivered by Elianne from the Parish of Saint James in the Diocese of Surabaya, Indonesia. 2 Corinthians 5: 14-21; Rs psalm 103: 1-2.3-4.8-9.11-12; Matthew 5: 33-37.

OATH

The title for our meditation today is:Oath. A local government official has been sworn in to carry out the five yearsmandate to be a public servant for the first time in his life. His wifeaccompanied him in the ceremony. In a photo session with all the family members,we could see the official family picture so beautiful and praised by manyaround. Everyone hoped, that the newly elected official would commit to theoath he has expressed before the public.

When they were already at home, thewife gave him advice as she said this: "You are an elected public officialbecause people really believe in you. The oath that you have stated was seen bythe earth where you stand and the sky where you look up, and the public thatsurrounds you saw or heard what you have stated. All are the witnesses. Allknow that you are a public official whose main duty is to serve. They trulybelieve that you are the leader in this place. The children and I pray for andsupport you."

Oaths, as expressed in the hope andprayer of the wife, are basically carried out by those who have responsibility,mission and trust given to them. They fulfill a responsibility or mission thatis supported by the authorities or positions that they have. After the positionor authority is no longer attached to the leader, the oath is also no longervalid. We should remember that an oath is a statement of commitment that is seriousand strong. The binding and demand of an oath is far greater than simply apromise to bring to a friend a special birthday gift.

For this reason, generally, an oath ismade by anyone in the name of the super-natural power. When the nature andpeople who come around to assist are the witnesses for an oath taken, thismeans an oath is not a secret or personal, but a public affair. An oath istaken under the power of the universe. According to our faith, an oath is takenunder the power of God. It leads to God. And so the Lord Jesus reminds ustoday, if a believer takes an oath, just make it anyway, but avoid falsehood,pretense, lies, and with intention to be revoked.

A person who takes an oath should makeit with truth and sincerity, because God himself sees it through the presenceof the entire universe that witnesses, namely heaven, earth, air, people andculture. All these elements belong to God. Therefore the principle of an oaththat Lord Jesus teaches and we the followers are obliged to obey is thefollowing: "Let your “Yes” mean “Yes”, and your “No” mean “No".

St. Paul specifically says that anoath that is true or false, which is said in truth and sincerity, is basicallymotivated by the love of Jesus Christ that underlies all our words and actions.We must use it.

Let's pray. In the name of theFather ... Almighty Lord, may Your Spirit always strengthen us in realizingYour will for us and our lives. Hail Mary full of grace ... In the name of theFather ...